For over 100 years, Lone Mountain Ranch has been a symbol of the American West. We had a seat at the table for the early days of Yellowstone Park, the formation of the town of Big Sky, the evolution of ranching and logging in the Northern Rockies and the preservation of this spectacular wilderness. Ever since we homesteaded in 1915, our story has had one consistent thread: warm and welcoming hospitality to all. Take a walk back through time to get a sense of our roots and the Real Montana you’ll find when you get here.
Summer
Horseback riding
Horses have long been essential to the way of life in Yellowstone Country. For over a century, Lone Mountain Ranch’s team of horses has brought ranchers and visitors into parts of the backcountry that are otherwise unseen and untouched. From galloping on the ranch to venturing into Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Gallatin National Forest, our experienced wranglers and horses are dedicated to empowering riders of all ages and abilities to discover real Montana.
To provide specialized attention to every guest, adventures are limited to a few riders per wrangler. Wranglers will spend the first full day assessing abilities and matching riders with their best horses. Previous riding experience is not required – our highly trained wranglers can teach beginners the skills they need to enjoy their time on horseback or advance the skills of more experienced riders. To ensure the safety of horses and guests in the mountain terrain, we enforce a rider weight limit of 230 pounds. (available mid-May – mid-October)
Fly fishing
Situated between the world famous Madison and Gallatin Rivers, Lone Mountain Ranch is the idyllic place to fish blue ribbon rainbow, brown and brook trout. The fly fishing guides will provide anglers of all levels with the skills and gear they need to begin or advance their sport.
For some, there is no more relaxing experience than casting a fly rod, for others there is no greater thrill. We will refer you to our local partners where they can custom tailor your experience to your interests, skill level and desire to explore.
Mountain Biking
The trails behind the property offer both long, spirited rides and heart-pumping adrenaline rushes. Let us set you up with a map, bike and safety gear, plus a picnic lunch and a guide if you’re interested. Montana offers one of a kind mountain biking, and it would be just as easy to spend an hour or a few days navigating the adventure. (available mid-May – mid-October)
Whitewater Rafting
At different points and times of year, the Gallatin River offers class I-IV rapids. Rafting trips are available to guests age 6 and older, guided in partnership with our friends at Geyser Whitewater Expeditions. The river offers many challenging sections or spectacular places to gently float through the scenery. Half day and full day trips are available. (available June-August).
Winter
Snowshoeing
Explore the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem on foot, without harming the delicate biodiversity all around. The 30 km of snowshoe trails meander through the ranch, outside of the Nordic trail system. Start at your cabin door and trek alone, with friends or family, with a guide, or even lit by the moon – full moon snowshoe tours are a favorite of guests and locals.
Dog Sledding
The ranch can arrange a special excursion with our partners at Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures and Spirit of the North. This is a truly unique way to experience the wintry landscape. Around every bend, there’s more to see: majestic peaks, unobstructed views of Fan Mountain, untouched landscapes.
Sit back and glide quietly along, try driving with hands-on instruction from experienced guides. Handling a sled team is exhilarating and unlike any other form of travel.
Fly Fishing
As an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing operation, Lone Mountain Ranch is the best way to access the year-round abundance of both the Gallatin and Madison Rivers. Our guides can help first-timers and long-timers discover the perfect spots to cast for rainbow, brown and brook trout. The winter offers a special kind of serenity, with zero crowds and large, healthy trout. Access remote blue ribbon streams by snowshoe, or pair a half-day wade with a few hours of skiing.
Backcountry Skiing
Lone Mountain Ranch is situated among thousands of miles of luxurious, rugged wilderness just beyond our doorstep. After a short shuttle ride with a naturalist guide to the Northwest corner of Yellowstone or to the Gallatin National Forest, you will have access to tours of varying difficulty, ranging from easy rolling trails to more advanced glides ideal for practicing your telemark turns. Tours are rated easy, moderate or difficult, depending on length, the amount of climbing, and the difficulty of the skiing.
